Booksgiving. An experiment.

Last September when Furiously Happy came out I was so terrified that people wouldn’t like it, wouldn’t understand it, or would run away after realizing I’m quite a bit crazier than I ever let on. But you stayed – for the most part – and then even more of you showed up, and now it’s February and Furiously Happy is still on the top 20 NYT list. This is because of you. You share quotes, and pictures of yourself reading it, and tell others that it helped and pass it on to people who you think will need it to understand you or to better understand themselves. Every day I see people online sharing it and it makes such a difference to me and to the people who every day discover that they are so much less alone than they thought.

As a thank you I’d like to give you all a box full of live kittens but I don’t have that many kittens or boxes and also I don’t have your address, so instead today I’m giving out copies of Furiously Happy to people who haven’t been able to afford a copy. If you’re struggling right now and you need a copy just make a wishlist with Furiously Happy on it. Or if you have Furiously Happy but need someone to buy you another book to get you through a rough time then make a wish list with that book on it. A book you loved as a kid. A book to calm you, or revive you, or to read to children.

I’m going to give out 30 copies of my book. If you need one I’m going to tell you how to do it. And every time I do this sort of thing others want to get involved and help so if you want to give books to someone in need you can click on the wish lists in the comments section and send hope and stories and escape to lovely strangers.

Will this work? No idea. But let’s try.

Here are the rules:

If you’re in a rough place and need a book to transport you somewhere else make a BRAND NEW wish list with nothing on it but the book you want. (Exception: If you have a kid who needs a book you can add that too.)

Here’s how you make a wish list: Under “Your Lists” on the right, top side of Amazon select “Create a list”. Choose “Wish list” and name it something like “The book I really need right now” and choose “Public”. Then click “Create list”. Now add a book to your list by going to the book and clicking the “add to list” button on the bottom right. Now here’s the most important thing that everyone forgets to do. You have to assign a shipping address to that specific wish list or it won’t go to you. So click on the wish list and click on “public” and it’ll take you to “List settings”. Click “view details” and where it says “shipping address” add yours. (Your city will be shown to others but not your full address.) Then save changes. Now leave a comment with a link to your wish list. Click here for my sample wish list so you’ll know what one looks like. I have about 20 books listed on it for inspiration if you don’t know exactly what you want. In your comment say which book you want in case someone specifically wants to buy you that book. Feel happy.

Here’s how you buy a book for a stranger. Click on their link. Choose a book. Select their name so it goes to their address. If it doesn’t give you the option of picking their name it means they didn’t add a shipping address so delete what’s in your cart and go to the next person. Send a story to someone in need. Feel happy.

The only rule is that this is just for books. No gift cards or clothes or anything else because it gets out of hand really quickly. Just a simple book to take you away from the world and help you find new ones.

And as always, thank you. Thank you for supporting my words and listening and passing them on to others. I’m hesitantly starting book 3 right now and you’re giving me strength to keep writing even when I doubt myself. I owe you one. Or 30.

UPDATED: Here are screen shots of what you should see while making a wishlist and add a shipping destination because it’s really easy to mess up.

Create a list under “Your lists”.

Make it a wish list, name it and make it public.

After you click “create list” click on the “public” button below:

Click “view details” to add your shipping address to this wish list:

Choose a shipping address and save changes.

Now you’re ready to add something to your list. Pick a book and choose the “add to list” button on bottom right side:

If you have another wish list set as your default then you’ll need to click “move to another list.”

Just click the list you’re going to share here.

Now go to the wish list and copy the link and paste it into the comments. That should work. There might be a better way of doing it but that’s how I do it.

PS. If you click on a wish list that says it’s empty that’s because the book has been bought for them. 🙂 If you leave a comment and don’t see it that’s because my blog puts people into moderation for a bit so I have to approve the comments and sometimes it takes me a minute. It’ll show up.

PPS. In the time it’s taken for me to write all of this a ton of books have been sent out to strangers (I prefer the term “strangelings”) on the internet and I haven’t even started giving away my own portion. Thank you. For asking and for giving.

PPPS. It’s 10:30pm Texas time and when I try to buy people books it gives me an error message during checkout. I’m just going to assume we broke amazon with our awesomeness. If you get error messages too just try again in a bit. Also, a ton of books have been sent out all over the world so you might have to search a lot to find a wish list that hasn’t been filled. Keep looking though if you want to help. New comments are approved every 15 minutes (until I go to sleep, at least) and they’re still coming in.

UPDATED, DAY 2: Technically yesterday was Booksgiving but Amazon crashed for like 4 hours yesterday so I say we keep going today. Besides, it’s a leap year so we get an extra day this month anyway. Might as well use it for good.

I just want to say this makes me so happy! Books are truly the gift that keeps on giving. For more than a year now, I have been sending my little sister (age 11) a book every month just to keep her reading and thinking. I look forward to sending someone else a book this month too.

Oooh, I can’t wait to start buying books for people! I LOVE THIS! (And you. And really, I’d love a box of kittens except that then I’d need a lot more litter boxes, and I can’t deal with the two I already have, so thank you for not sending me those.)

I bought both your books for my adult daughter (she has Epilepsy and and suffers from anxiety). We’ve shared favorite passages, shed tears together over things you wrote that we both identify with to our core. For anyone who loves to laugh, has darkness inside that they are fighting, or simply needs to be uplifted, I can’t think of a better gift.

I put yours and one other for me, and a few of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books for my son, who recently begged me to just please BUY a couple of those so he could keep them instead of us always getting all our books from the library. 😦

Single struggling mom here, like many of you. If you just pick one, pick one of my kid’s books. Thanks for thinking of me.

(Try this. Right now you don’t have a shipping address so if I bought it it would just go to me. You have to assign a shipping address to that specific wish list or it won’t go to you. So click on the wish list and click on “public” and it’ll take you to “List settings”. Click “view details” and where it says “shipping address” add yours. ~Jenny)

As I have already received your book due to your (and others’) generosity when finances wouldn’t allow me to buy it (and still won’t, really), and I have a plethora of other books I can read, I will refrain from creating a list, but I wanted to -endorse- this idea. I think it’s a lovely one and I can’t wait to see how it all pans out.

I wanted to say, too, that I’m still in the process of reading Furiously Happy. I feel like an Ent of the book world: “We only say[read] anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say[read].”

In my darkest moments, I turn to Furiously Happy, read a few pages, giggle, cry, clap or whatever happens naturally depending on what I’m reading. This is how I am reading it. And once I read through it, I will likely go back and re-read it. 🙂

Yes!
My book club is going through Let’s Pretend This Never Happened this month, and I fully intend to heartily recommend Furiously Happy to the people who “get” it. You are wonderful, and this idea is fantastic.

Yay Jenny! I love when you do these things and will try to come back in a day or two and buy someone a book!

Also, I’m thinking about my very first tattoo for my 40th birthday this month. First thought was “Pretend you’re good at it”, then thought “Rory! It would confuse everyone!” but I just can’t decide what to do. It will be small, on the inside of my wrist. Any suggestions anyone??

You should come to Alaska for a book signing! We like to taxidermy animals like you would not believe here, think of all the treasures you could potential take home. And there’s bears, and moose! Which may kill you so, yeah maybe not, stay indoors when in Alaska! That’s it, and oh, come during the summer, winters suck.

I’m way ahead of you. 🙂 I love this book so much, I have the e-version and the paper version, and I’ve gifted both of your books to two of my closest friends. So I’ll pass on this contest in order to give some other lucky people the chance to win this. Jenny, your book makes me laugh when I need it, cry when I need to, and it always helps me — I read it when I need to know I’m better than I want to believe I am, and more importantly, that I am not alone. P.S. About wishing you could send kittens, I’m highly allergic to kittens, but it’s the thought that counts. 😉

I put together a wish list for my son. We are struggling right now, behind on medical bills due to his asthma issues hes had since birth. While I’d love my own copy of Furiously Happy, I would love more for him to have something to make him furiously happy.
this blog reminds me of all the good there is in the world. and I promise, when we are on our feet again, to return all the good I can.

I bought your book for someone I thought needed it. I did it anonymously because I didn’t want them to feel bad about it or like they needed to pay me back, which was great except that I can’t go ask them what they thought : )

For anyone trying to overcome childhood trauma at the expense of their parents, may I suggest Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life? I found out about it via RuPaul, of all people! I don’t have the money to grant anyone a book, but I can give you the pdf so you can still read it for free. It was a tremendous help to me and I hope it will help someone here, too. ❤

I love this idea and can’t wait to find someone to gift a book too. Love your books but I have two small requests – keep being the narrator of your audio books. You are hands down one of my favorite narrators. Two – Please come to Indiana on your book tour…..

Two days ago, I had my first ambulance ride and among other things lost total control of all my bodily fluids for a few hours. I know there is comedic gold in my experience, but for now all I want to do is hide under the bedcovers with a book.

Could use some distraction..Our family is going through a tragedy. This is such a great way to reach out to others. Would be very curious to see how others deal with death, anxiety and sleep deprivation

I managed to borrow a copy of your books from the library but would love to get a copy of you book. I read your words and all I can say is they are magic. I love knowing that there are people out there as weird and crazy as me and that we arent alone.
We bond together with our broken pieces, lets make a weird puzzle.https://www.amazon.ca/gp/registry/wishlist/21Q3NZV8PJUKB/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1?

This is a great idea. I’m not in a rough place and work somewhere where I am surrounded by free books. but I will pass this on and look at the wish lists to see if I can help. Also, I would like one of those miniature giraffes from the directv commercials. Can you help with that?

I would love a copy of Furiously Happy. I have been struggling with a psychosis because of a steroid they gave me on Christmas Day to treat my asthma. It’s been a month of hallucinations and delusions and none are the fun kind… All this to say, as I don’t want to make this a SOB story, this would make my February. Many thanks, and this is a great and fun idea, Jenny.https://www.amazon.ca/gp/registry/wishlist/2UGG3FLJXAAZD/

(For some reason I can’t order from Amazon Canada because Canada hates me or something. Putting a note here if there are Canadian people who use Amazon.ca. ~ Jenny)

Unemployed teacher here … unemployed due to mental health issues leaving me unreliable to do a job I love … kinda sorta sucks, but I’m pushing hard through this bout of depression.
I haven’t read your book yet …. or had access to the dialectal behavior therapy exercises employment (and health insurance) covered, so there are two books in there. I’d also love a book recommendation if ANYONE could help – I’m going to be raising a step-daughter whose mom will have passed from cancer … I don’t even know WHERE to start searching for that book!http://amzn.com/w/37XXN637JBCWY

If you mail something, please include a return address (can you?) so I can mail a real thank you card (I love to send mail). ❤ ~Sarah http://www.eleventhstreetlot.com

I would love to be able to give my son a Diary of a Wimpy kid book. we are struggling right now, medical bills upon medical bills due to his multiple hospitalizations due to his asthma. id love a copy of furiously happy, but would rather see him furiously happy with this book.

this blog gives me hope for the good in the world. I promise to return the good when we are back on our feet.

This would be so great! I sold all but a few books when I moved from KC to NOLA and would love to have a copy of “Furiously Happy” to place next to “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened”! My bookshelf and I would be so grateful! It’s been a very rough year and your tweets and blog posts have helped remind me how important it is to stay connected to our friends. Or even with strangers! But just to reach out and remember we’re not alone.

I happened across your book in the library and enjoyed reading it in a very sad way. Many of your statements on pages 57-58 -132 -133 -134-135 were especially powerful. Could have been written by my beautiful and brilliant 22 year old daughter. I know she was able to help many people….they told me so. However she could not help herself. Finally lost the on going battle with depression and ended her own life just a few months ago. I know she did not intend to emotionally end her parents life as well. I can see by your book that my daughter realized that she was facing a continuous battle that maybe she just got tired of. While going to college she had also worked at a mental health center……maybe was taking on too many additional problems. Don’t know……. but miss her terribly

I’ve been anxiously awaiting having the extra money to buy this book! I discovered your Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and lent it out so much that it certainly looks tired and worn, which is my favorite way to see a book! Also, as a high school teacher, I have bought Kindle copies of this book for former students who I KNEW would totally relate! They have loved it!

This makes me beyond happy. Thank you for being you, for your words, and for helping others.
To hear you are starting book three fills me with joy, not just because ANOTHER BOOK but because it is my dream to attend a book signing and meet you. I was going to go to Portland this past tour and the Saturday before lost my beloved dog. I wasn’t up to travel even though I knew it probably would have helped to be around others who adore you and to finally meet you. So please tour again, and thank you. Just thank you.

This is a fantastic idea, and as someone who is low on cash and in a down slope right now I really appreciate this! The book I could really use right now is Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, as I am set to finish Furiously Happy today and it’s been giving me some much needed laughs. Thank you!

My niece needs this book. We keep telling her it gets better. But she’s having a tough time believing us. I have the kinks version and she can’t have doctrines in the hospital. So… Here’s to hoping.
The book my niece desperately needs right now
Link: https://amzn.com/w/IB7BRHEUSVJ8

Making a new wish list with your book. The last book was one of the best things I’ve ever read. I’ve shared my copy dozens of times. If I get the new one, I plan to do the same thing. I would love to be able to buy it but I just can’t right now. Thanks for considering me

I wish I had the money to buy books for others. I’ve had struggles with depression in the past and Jenny’s first book really helped. Lately I’ve been feeling a bit lost again, but haven’t had the money to read her new one. There are a lot of people more deserving of books, so please, start with them. But if you make it through the list wanting to give and there’s nobody left, then here’s mine. Hopefully next year I can pay it forward. Thank you in advance

Feeling alone lately. I’ve been struggling with some inner issues and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I love to read and it helps get out of my headspace when it’s just too much to deal with. Thank you for doing this, I love reading your blog!

You are my hero, Jenny. In medical school and I’ve always struggled with depression and anxiety… The struggle is so bad sometimes. Love you and your blog. You have gotten me through some of the darkest times.

Here is mine. I find it difficult to spend on myself. But I figured I would post mine and then buy someone else’s. Except they are all empty. I’ll find one eventually And that makes me furiously happy. https://amzn.com/w/181FEAHOKW728

Amanda Palmer did this with her Art of Asking (appropriate, no?), using the Mosaic website. That was SO much fun—I met quite a few people in both the giving and getting. I’m covered on both ends with Furiously Happy—I gave it to my aunt for Xmas, and my parents gave it to me. My aunt and I were trading bits from the book over the dinner table the other night and laughing so hystericall, the rest of the family was scooching their chairs away from us…

Ive tried posting this now 3 times so if it is a repeat, please delete.
I was able to borrow your newest book from the library and all I can say is your work is made of gold. I am so happy to see that someone else feels and lives the same way as me. I suffer from major depression and my ex left me for another 6 months ago. Times have been really tough, not just emotionally but financially too. I love your writing and knowing that its ok to be sad and feel anxiety as it wont always take over your life.
We are a weird bunch of broken pieces that fit together to make one strange puzzle.
Thank you for your books Jenny. They mean the world to me.

Happy Booksgiving! I am a graduate student right now and I need all the help I can get. Some days are pretty dark and I can’t find my way out of my own writing. But I press on. I have to keep thinking that I’ll make it, that I’ll get my thesis done. I love what I’m writing. I even think it’s an important topic, but it’s still hard. Sometimes I think at the end of the day – maybe tomorrow will be better, maybe you’ll have a breakthrough. But also maybe you’re just delusional. But the delusion helps because it gives hope to keep going. I put on my wish list two of your books Jen, because I could use some laughter as well as some courage to write what I know to be true. What I know should be written.
I also added a 3rd book for children — young adults, a YA novel. It is by one of my favorite authors and actually one of my old professors from undergrad days. The book I chose is a book about an orphan boy who goes through some real life hardships. I added this because I work with kids who experience these things, who know hard break and I’d like to be able to share stories with them. Thank you! And Happy Booksgiving to everyone! Sharing stories is the best.

You are such a great writer, borrowed a copy from a friend, but would love to reread my very own copy as many times as I need it. I’m so glad that you are brave enough to share your life with us! Can’t wait for book 3!

My mom has had it pretty tough for the last 10 years or more. i have lent her your books in hopes that she will recognize her own depression/mental illness and realize she is not alone, but I do think she should have her own copies. She is 56 years old, and clearly has some mental illness happening, but won’t admit that it’s a medical problem- partly because she doesn’t have any health insurance I’d guess. We love her very much and hate to see her struggle. Slowly but surely, she continues to plug on in her day to day things. Like we do.

She does have a blog where she talks about things in a vague sense, and if you’d like to send her some love, hop over to http://snaggedt.blogspot.com/

I do not need a copy as I bought it for myself for Christmas as well as copies for 3 friends going through a hard time right now. However, the book plate I had been holding onto for months until I could afford to buy the book was thrown away by mistake. I would LOVE another book plate if you are able.

I was able to borrow the first and second book from a friend and I LOVED them both. I would love to be able to access them anytime I need them because these books are gold and it’s great to have other people that feel the same way I do.

My birthday is tomorrow, getting this in the mail in the near future would certainly brighten it up. Thank you so much for doing this; know that I’ll repay the favor when I can! https://amzn.com/w/160MAIPQI1WGZ

shuffles over and nudges link forward I really want Jenny’s book. I bought a copy, but gave it to my best friend because I thought she might need it more than me. But I’d really like a copy of my own to laugh at and feel understood by. I’m an out of work actor (and even when i am working, I don’t make very much) and with help am just barely getting by as it is. I haven’t gotten a new book that I get to keep (I frequent the library because I can’t live without books, just without keeping them) in quite a while. Summer maybe? Anyway, I’d be very grateful if anyone felt like helping me. 🙂

Hiya 🙂
I’ve been a follower of yours on facebook for a couple years. I have anxiety and depression and I could stand to learn about being furiously happy 😛 Also I put a book by a naturopathic doctor I really respect on my list, because I’ve got fibro and chronic fatigue and I really need to figure out how to get better. I’m not doing well.https://amzn.com/w/C43FV713PJ2W

thank you so much! This is a wonderful idea and thank you to anyone who might help me.

This is such an amazing idea! I want to be able to click on someones list and purchase for someone else, but I am unfortunately at the mercy of someone clicking my link and purchasing for me right now. I have saved this link so that when I am not in such a tight spot, maybe there will be someone else who I can purchase for..

Happy Booksgiving! I am a graduate student right now and I need all the help I can get. Some days are pretty dark and I can’t find my way out of my own writing. But I press on. I have to keep thinking that I’ll make it, that I’ll get my thesis done. I love what I’m writing. I even think it’s an important topic, but it’s still hard. Sometimes I think at the end of the day – maybe tomorrow will be better, maybe you’ll have a breakthrough. But also maybe you’re just delusional. But the delusion helps because it gives hope to keep going. I put on my wish list two of your books Jen, because I could use some laughter as well as some courage to write what I know to be true. What I know should be written.
I also added a 3rd book for children — young adults, a YA novel. It is by one of my favorite authors and actually one of my old professors from undergrad days. The book I chose is a book about an orphan boy who goes through some real life hardships. I added this because I work with kids who experience these things, who know hard break and I’d like to be able to share stories with them. Thank you! And Happy Booksgiving to everyone! Sharing stories is the best.

I checked out a digital copy of furiously happy from my library (loved it!) and I’m currently waiting on the audiobook. (14 people ahead of me!!!! I don’t know whether to pout or be happy that there are so many around me that want to listen to your book, too!) I do not have my own hard copy. I do have a signed bookplate which I would love to put inside it- It would mean the world to me!!!! If there is someone who wants it and has not read it, please pick them first. I have read it, but I just would like my own copy that does not have to be returned to the library. 🙂

My birthday is tomorrow, this would certainly brighten it up. Thank you for doing this! And please know that I’ll pay it forward as soon as I am able! (If I posted this twice I apologize, technology isn’t always my friend!) https://amzn.com/w/160MAIPQI1WGZ

I think you are amazing. I am so glad another blogger recommended your blog. Some days, when I don’t think I can get up and do it again, I think, Jenny did, you can too. I’d love a copy of your book and it’s on my regular “wish list” too but here is the link of the “special” wish list. You do really good things. Thank you. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3QSHEL715GPUE/ref=topnav_lists_2

I’ve been going through a rather unfun rough patch with my depression/anxiety lately. I could really use some cheering up. But if there’s someone else worse off, please pick them instead. As it is, I feel rather bad for asking for anyone to consider doing https://amzn.com/w/120G5J4WO17UQ

I’m a stay at home mom who just got a job at night to try to pay for my husbands medical bills but they just keep coming! It feels never-ending.

I checked your books out from the library on a whim last year and it was EXACTLY what I needed to read. I felt like I wasn’t alone and they helped me accept myself more than I ever have. I’ve been following your blog ever since the day I started reading your book. You are so wonderful ❤ I hope I can meet you on a book tour one day. You came to my state just a couple of weeks before I found the books.

Jenny, I don’t know if you saw it, but I sent you a message on Facebook to tell you how Furiously Happy just got me through a hard time. My daughter (age 13) and I had to fly back to Nebraska because her dad was in the final stages of cancer. I read your book on the plane and I can’t even express how much it helped me. It gave me strength, and it made me laugh. I even shared some of the stories with my daughter and it was so good to see her laughing too.

He passed away on December 29th, just hours after our plane landed. I’ve had a hard time finding books to help her cope. Most of them are for younger kids, or for kids whose parents are still alive and going through treatment. She did get a book of poems and essays through an organization called Kids Konnected, and she’s buried herself in fanfic through Wattpad to keep her mind occupied. I’d like to get her one of these two books: https://amzn.com/w/2NK19NZSJMFRV

Also, if anyone has been through a similar experience and can recommend other books, I would really appreciate that too.

A few unexpected life changes (move and death of a good friend, a mom of 3) have put me in a lonely place lately. I’ve always been a blog fan but never read your books. Fortunately our library has Furiously Happy, so it’s on my list of things to borrow, but a copy of my own to share with someone else who needs it when I’m done would be even better.

I absolutely adored Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (my husband spent weeks laughing at me when I was reading in bed because of the (loud) reactions I had) but I can’t afford to buy Furiously Happy right now. I would be forever grateful, and I hope to be able to pass on the love in a few months time. ❤

Wish I could reply to a comment but in lieu of that @rockandrollmama – 2 for your son and 1 for you are on the way. ENJOY! and thank you Jenny & Nina for making my day brighter. I loved doing this – brought me as much joy as buying one for myself – likely more. Nina – I couldn’t find which Diary of a Wimpy Kid one your sone would like on the wishlist so I chose Book 10 – Here’s hoping your son hasn’t read it yet (and it was easy to buy – that or shipping costs – gotta love it lol! got the shipping free 😀 ) ❤

I made a list for my 9 y/o who is desperately trying to get 500 AR points. Seeing her happy makes me more happy then a book for me would. (Not saying I don’t love a good book though! lol /anxiety)http://amzn.com/w/8WQ7CYNMVFO4

I love you, Jenny. This is awesome. If one of you send me this book, please send me your email address with it so we can be friends and I can thank you for it and we can swap books? Please? https://amzn.com/w/1A3ZZG8ML7MS1

I’ve gone to a couple of peoples list and there is nothing there. You have to put the book in your list. Or maybe someone already got it for you. There is someone who wanted books for her son. Please update your list. I would like to help. Thank you so much Jenny for your always wonderful books and your incredible generosity to others.

(The lists that have nothing on them are people who’ve already had their books bought for them. 🙂 I’m seeing so many wish lists already fulfilled as I pop around buying books myself. I love you people. ~ Jenny)

https://amzn.com/w/QB1EMCS5HK9B
Bless your sweet heart! I am listening to Furiously Happy in my car and appreciate your insights and openness, My daughter struggles from anxiety and depression and is not at peace with having it be a part of her. She could use a copy of your book, maybe signed by The President. Thank you for making a difference. PS. I had a cat named Lando CATrissian!

Jenny, You are the best! You have the greatest ideas and it baffles me to think that anyone could not feel the same. You put yourself out here in cyber-crazyville for the world to see and it’s just plain old awesome. I have yet to have anyone come back to me and say “that woman is completely off her crock and I just don’t get her”. What I always get its “that woman is completely off her crock and she is my people!! I love her!” So, keep on being you and coming up with awesome ideas such as this one. I’ll be looking for a wish list to send to a random stranger.

I work at an inner city nonprofit that helps teen moms, and although I get to be a part of/see a lot of good be done by my fellow humans, the bad can still be overwhelming. It’s so cool to see good stuff like this happening.

Furiously Happy helped me in the midst of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and all of the stress that comes along with that. I had some ups recently, but I’m back in the downs right now and would love to read your first book, or Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly. Her TED talk and interview on On Being have been tremendously helpful to me as well.

I’m a full-time mom who just had to put my job as a preschool teaching assistant on the back burner since my younger son has been diagnosed with autism and I have to get him placed into a school that can help him. In the meantime, I’m trying to work on getting certified as an early childhood teacher so that I can return to work in a better place. This book would be a big help. 🙂

Well here goes, here is my wish list. It’s nice that depression has been able to slowly come out of hiding. I remember making sure not to tell anyone that I was on meds as it was not “socially” acceptable to be as most people put it sad.

This is a really cool idea! 🙂 I could use some happy these days! I put both Jenny’s books on here, it doesn’t matter which as I love reading her posts I can’t wait to order her calendar when I get some spare change, too! https://amzn.com/w/26NA20YL2LG9R

This is great! A kind stranger sent me a copy of Furiously Happy after seeing me post that I couldn’t afford one. I wish I could afford to pay it forward today but I can’t yet. Maybe for book #3 I’ll be able to! I have read it twice now and as the person sending it told me, no one should have to wait to read it because they can’t afford it. Thanks, as always, for being the spokesperson for all of us who are too often in the shadows somewhere . It’s a good time of year for this too, for those of us up north with seasonal depression!

We are always looking for books for our NICU book project that provides the littlest of newborns a packet of books. There is a link on my most recent blog post on how to help with this project. I am a reading teacher and many of my students were preemies. The ones who were read to have a much easier time concentrating and learning. The ones who were not read to struggle, so to honor my own twins who were born too soon and didn’t survive, I started this book project for the babies that are in the hospital where my daughter works as a NICU nurse (she was my rainbow baby). Click on the link in the blog post to help if you are interested.

Holy shit I went to update my list and the books were all bought. tears I seriously cannot even, as the youngsters say.

Well, it is my 47th birthday Saturday and I am celebrating it alone with my son, so I guess if you really want to get me something, here’s my regular list, i made it public and it has several more books for my son (and for me). I will edit out the stuff that’s not books, give me a few.

That was so much fun! I hope she appreciates her chosen book as much as I did! It’s now the 4th copy of Let’s Pretend It Never Happened (plus I bought the audiobook) as I never seem to get it back once I loan it out. I don’t even have my copy right now 🙂

Dear Jenny and friends,
I’ve really been struggling the last year since I lost my job. I had to move back home with my parents to a town/community where good jobs are scarce as Hawaiian snow. (Before you get jealous, I live in coastal NC.) The resulting sinkhole of depression often makes me feel like I will never get my life back on track. I’m aggressively practicing gratitude as much as possible every day, but I could use a hand. Or just some positive thoughts. A (non-local) friend of mine on FB is currently reading Furiously Happy and really enjoying it. So here is my request, if someone has the ability to share a digital copy (I chose that because it seems most cost effective) even temporarily, for me to read, I would really appreciate it. Thank you to you, and your readers for your big hearts, and for wanting to make a difference in a stranger’s life.

I guess my comment didn’t go through… If this is the second comment, I’m sorry, I looked through the list twice to find my comment and didn’t see it.

I checked out your books on a whim from the library and I absolutely loved them! I helped me find myself more and realize that I’m not alone. (It also helped me talk to my husband about everything I was struggling with and he has been so supportive). It would make me so happy to be able to read these books on my bad days. I can barely afford to pay for our medical bills, let alone a book for myself. This can be my alternative to therapy since I definitely can’t afford that!

I have followed you on twitter, facebook, instagram and your blog since the day I read your book. Thank you for being so wonderful ❤

I’m having way too much fun! I’m having a hard time finding lists that have things left. I’m also happy crying at my desk because people are so generous. I’d love to have a surprise book.https://amzn.com/w/181FEAHOKW728

I really needed something like this today. Even if no one picks my book, it helps to see that good people still out number the had and that hard times can always be brightened by small acts made by big hearts. Books are where I go when the world is crushing Me and I feel like a beetle on the bottem of a shoe.

A friend of mine sent around some funny meme where you just add the words “with a chainsaw” to the end of the last book you read. Supposed to be hilarious. I, of course, did “Furiously Happy With a Chainsaw.” Seems about right…

I tried this once, and it disappeared after asking for a password that I guessed at – I thought it might give me a break and let me guess once before admitting my incompetence. Not so. Anyway, I will try a 2nd time, as I really am struggling right now and have been wanting to read your book. I actually have not been able to buy any of your work yet. Thanks for this opportunity – as you may know, rural health care – mental health maybe especially – truly is all they say it is. Nearly non-existent, and generally miles and miles away. How does one face a 2 (plus) hour drive when one can barely get out of the house?

Ahhhh! I’m lucky enough to own both of your books, Jenny. And probably more than any human should. But I think everyone has a list of books that they won’t let themselves buy for any number of reasons. Here’s mine: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/38BIWN5PC6L97

I can’t wait to give someone else a book from their list. Books are like air, an essential.

I am okay to buy my own book thanks to being on a pretty good budget, but I wanted to tell you that I think this is a very sweet idea. I’ve been reading one of your books and definitely plan on buying the others. You are a great writer.

I bought a hardcover copy of “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” which my boyfriend and I read together sometimes. We also bought a soft cover copy for our best friends (married) because we knew they’d get a kick out of it. They’ve had a rough time recently since they lost their home.

We bought copies of “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” for my boyfriend and I and our married friends because we thought they’d get a kick out of it, too. They recently had to relocate and it was really hard on them. They enjoyed the laugh.

Yet another reason I love this community. I ordered the first book and loved it and waited anxiously for the second but I’ve since become a single mom to 2 kids after my now ex-husband became an addict so there’s no more money to spend on my book addiction. I now that this book would be so good for my soul right now.

On New Year’s Day my life long dream to become a writer came true when I got offered a publishing contract. 2016 is going to be a wonderful year for me. Jenny, you’re making it a wonderful year for so many other people with this. Hopefully I can help a little too. Commenter #194, a book is headed your way.

I need something but I don’t know what it is. I’m 17 weeks pregnant and on bedrest for super early preeclampsia and the knowledge that the baby might be born too early to survive. I can’t work so the money’s going to hell and my evil ex is trying to use this to take my other kids away from me. I can’t imagine what book would fill that need. 😦

Jenny, Amazon will not ship to South Africa. I have a Kindle account with which I bought Furiously Happy but Let’s Pretend This Never Happened never came out as an e-book. Bummer. Can I put an e-book on my Wish List?

Onibologna and Cynthia K, thank you both! I always thought there was nothing my kids could go through that I hadn’t been through myself, but losing a parent turned out to be an exception, so I’ve been doing everything I can to figure out how to make sure she’s going to be okay.

My daughters and I love to read. I am so happy to share my love of books with them, even if they like scarier things than I do… My anxiety makes it hard for me to deal with people so books are an escape for me.

@ April – I lost my mum a couple of years ago. Check with funeral directors in your area – some run grief support groups for teens. This book might help. Weird is Normal – When Teenagers Grieve. Also Healing your grieving heart for teens – 100 practical ideas is also really good.
Sending huge internet hugs.

Ok, this time i’m swallowing my pride and will post my wishlist.
I’m going through a rough time (my partner of 12 years died unexpectedly 6 months ago), my financial situation is shit, i have trouble with depression and anxiety and was already on sick leave before my Lesley died because of horrible work situation.

So all in all, not having a great time at the moment, not at all.
And reading keeps me going, always has.

note:
– the books on the list are in upside order; I listed the ones I really ‘need’ first, but those appear on the bottom of the list. The ones that show up at the top are ones I would love to read, but ‘just’ for entertainment. Jenny’s books and grief related books on bottom that should be top.

Also I live in the Netherlands, so if postage turns out to be too much, don’t worry, i appreciate the thought and totally understand.
And; the books don’t have to be the copy I listed, paperback, 2nd hand, all would be absolutely fantastic.
Just one book would be amazing :).

This is Brilliant! What a wonderful gift to give to people. I have several people that I want to share your book with already after reading it myself. But this is a genius way to pay it forward. I have already selected several links and intend to do more. Thank you, Jenny, for this wonderful idea to share your amazing book and or something someone else truly needs to get by in troubled times of their lives. I have lived a similar life to that which you depicted in both your books. I joke that Jenny Lawson is living my life.(I’m older and am also a Jenny, lol) So you keep writing and we, the Broken, but Furiously Happy, will be waiting to cheer you on and of course wait for the feast of written words to ease our souls. Jenny H.

Hi Jenny and Friends 🙂 I would so like to get this book for my best friend, she is a terrific mom & wife who works fulltime AND goes to school at night. Shes trying to make their life better. she still has time to help me, her sick friend who has anxiety & panic attacks I cant even function some days (she introduced me to Jenny’s 1st book) She’s my hero, my blessing. Jenny is OUR GIRL!!!https://amzn.com/w/200NQNI7MZ0LN

Furiously Happy was one of my favorite kick ass books of 2015!
Thank you for making me giggle like an idiot.
Can we go for wine together one day? Please.
Anyhow, I’m your greatest stalker, I mean, fan!!
Love and Appreciation from MN. xx

I have given books over the years for Christmas donations for families in need and also donate new or like new books to my girls’ school to pass on to kids that need them. Books are the best gifts to give. I love this post so much! I wish I was in a position to help others right now because I know everyone here could benefit from a book gift. Hopefully soon I can return to this list and pick some links to send books! Thank you for spreading the happiness!!!

I have a wonderful little boy that loves to have books read to him! He always gets upset when we have to take them back to the library, so to have a few of his own would be magical.
This is such an amazing community. I have been following it for several years now and its amazing to see the support of one another, no question and no judgement. It makes it so much easier to just be, me. Thank you.

I’d really love a copy. I’ve been putting it off for others things and also dealing with the loss of my 19yo daughter Kaitlyn who passed Oct 2013 from a car crash. This is a great idea, Jenny and I hope to pay it forward and purchase for someone else when I can…https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=nav_wishlist_btn

(I’m sending you such love, sweetness. The link doesn’t work though. Can you fix? Love. ~ me)

I think the address thing is fixed now…
A few unexpected life changes (a big move where finding new friends has been the hardest of any move we’ve made, and death of a good friend, a mom of 3) have put me in a lonely place lately. I’ve always been a blog fan but never read your books. Fortunately our library has Furiously Happy, so it’s on my list of things to borrow, but a copy of my own to share with someone else who needs it when I’m done would be even better.

Books are my escape. Words are my refuge when I’m stuck inside my own head. I’ve been doing pretty well recently, or I’ve gotten much better at lying to myself. My husband though had been sliding in and out of depression these past few months. It’s been everything I have to keep us both from drowning. I buy books for people as often as I can. I recommend stories to get lost in, or to help find the words that have been lost. I guess I’m the one that needs that now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=3ICVJSF143NWT&type=wishlist

Hello, I hate asking for help so i am using this as an exercise. I will be perfectly okay if i do not receive anything.I had a parent i was a care giver for recently pass away and i rely on books (and coloring) to relax and/or escape when i need a break from reality. I already have both of Jenny’s books so i am asking for a different one. Thank you all for your help and the opportunity to ask for help. https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1ER3PFD56OKRI/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1?

My list is of happy and interesting things about sports for a few of my middle school special ed. students because we’ve been having a very rough few weeks (there are things in life that even teachers shouldn’t have to explain to kids) and would love a bit of escapism and new reading material. I am lucky to have readers in my room but don’t always have the funds to buy them the books that they love. Love you for this Jenny, and these will get passed around and shared plenty.

Someone… someone mysterious, generous, and just every which way WONDERFUL bought my book! I want that person to know that you have moved me to tears of pure joy. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to this beautifully kind stranger. My gratitude is immeasurable ♡

I finally got “Furiously Happy” from my library last night after putting it on hold in October and am voraciously reading it currently, but my wish is for the next Stephen King book. My best friend and I were gigantic fans. We were going to get matching Dark Tower tattoos, but as you’ll notice, I am speaking of her in past tense, because she succumbed to the rare autoimmune disease that we both have, so now, I have to carry on reading all of Mr. King’s books without her, and hopefully, some how, magically, they are getting through me to her.

P.S to post #262
I feel a bit embarassed; it seems my list is pretty long compared to other lists..
But obviously i’m not expecting to get all of the books (if any of them); it’s just..Amazon..books..can’t help myself.
Sorry for coming over all greedy

After five children and 23 years of marriage I discovered my husband is a sex addict and had been cheating throughout our entire marriage. I am furiously angry, resentful, sad and depressed while trying to raise our youngest three children alone. This blog has been helpful in letting me know I’m not alone. I would love to be furiously happy! Thank you.https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/WRJ6008CP9G2/ref=cm_wl_list_o_2?

I would love your book but reading these comments, there are so many people more worthy than I. Although I have a very limited income I just can’t ask for one. But what you do is so very awesome. Thank you.

This is amazing. YOU are amazing.
I’m not great at asking for help… But I’d love a copy of Furiously Happy. I have Let’s Pretend This Never Happened as an ebook, and you made me laugh till I cried. It would be nice to laugh again.
P.S Please come to Australia!

Thank you so much for the person who bought me a book. For the first time in a while, I cried, but with happiness. You really did give me hope. I’ve only really became part of this community recently (though I’ve been reading Jenny for a few years now) and you are truly amazing.

Thank you so much for this Jenny! This just makes my heart so happy! I feel a little awkward about it, but here is my list: Books I could use right now Link: http://amzn.com/w/2UEU8YI20SIE
Since my son was born theres been a lot of joy, but also some pretty hard times. Sometimes it feels like who I am and definitely my creativie side has been lost in the shuffle of diapers and naptimes. I found Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly through this blog and it’s been very inspirational to me, I’m hoping her other books and the books on nurturing creativity will be a much needed boost. Much Love to you all ❤ ❤

someone gave me furiously Happy because he got it for free but didn’t understand it. I read the whole thing in one sitting. It gave me the push I needed to face my depression, ADHD and anxiety. I have recommended it to everyone i know,and i hope that one day i can pass on the gift that was given to me.

Wow, this is wonderful! I have been wanting to read this so badly but our budget is very tight right now. I hope it’s not greedy but I added a book for my 10 month old too! Even if nobody can help us, I think this is such a great thing and I hope lots of people get books!http://smile.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/103K85KQORN00

Let’s see if I can make this work. I’m in a bad place with med adjustments and a new psychiatrist and stress at work and credit card debt and so I added a book for me (Kindle edition since it was cheapest and I have an old Kindle) so I can afford to participate in book group this month (the library wait list is far too long, I won’t make it in time) and one for my son, who deserves something nice and loves to help me cook.

I am in between books right now and have added a few to my “Books!!!” list. I’ve read both of your books, Jenny, and they were so open and honest. Thank you for that. I have a couple of busy kids, one with ADHD who keeps me on my toes (mostly because of all the stuff she leaves around the house!). We are always financially strapped for cash and use the library, thrift stores, and garage sales for most of our reading material. A shiny new book would be so exciting!https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1ET4GMAPPR7HQ/ref=cm_wl_list_o_1?

I loved “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened ” ! I remember I learned the hard way NOT to be eating or drinking while reading it ! I would love to read “Furiously Happy” ! Actually I would love any books to read ! Lately reading is the only way to run away from all the depressing things happening everyday. I know I shouldn’t do that but should deal with it head on and beat it. Some days though I just need to escape ! And books are low on my list of priorities money wise. My daughter is finally getting to where she likes to read and given a choice, please choose her a book instead ! Thank you !

My husband left me, abruptly, at the end of October. I’ve been struggling, but surviving, ever since. I’m a part-time church secretary. Our whole marriage, he and his (my step kids, still in contact, of course!) were my first priority. I need help now. A new book would be so wonderful. Thank you.

Aww, this is the best. Thank you, Anony (#325) and Jenny for being so awesome. cries all ugly
I should add that Tracey (my lost friend) was always my book fairy. And our shared disease is Behcet’s Disease. It sucks and more people should know about it.

Testing to see if this comment posts – I tried to post with my wishlist and I don’t see the comment. Maybe the comment is in moderation? (Crying a little at the anxiety of maybe missing this chance, because of course I am.)

I’m so sorry, but I could really use this. I’m going through a hard time and just can’t afford to buy it. I feel horrible asking for it, but if by some lucky chance I get one, I would really appreciate it. And the next booksgiving I promise to give back.

If anyone would like to share a book I would be most grateful. This winter has been a tough one mentally, have been trying to find the energy to climb the uphill battle again back out of this hole. I promise to pass it along once I read it, I know several folks who I think could use some laughs and understanding. Thank you! http://amzn.com/w/1QGN0Q97IXIG9

Ok, I’m putting one out there. My son has severe autism and loves nothing more than road tripping with mom. So we pile on the car and find some new place to make a spectacle of ourselves. But we run out of ideas if places to go. This has been in my wish last for at least a year.

Also, I’ve got lots of good used kid books that I could totally pass on to others if there would be a way to set that up? Yeah…

I love you even more than I did for doing this. An online friend, I had never met her IRL, gifted me your first book on Audible to get me through the beginnings of my divorce. I did jigsaw puzzles and cross stitched while listening and crying and laughing. When Furiously Happy came out it again helped me through a rough patch in my relationship and now my boyfriend and I are listening to it together. Thank you for sharing yourself with us and making me feel like I was less alone in my anxiety and depressive moods. I really wan to give someone else the chance to escape, cause life can take all your spoons, but maybe I can give one back.

Thank you. Thank you, friend. I can’t believe that was so kind, and so quickly after I posted. I have been amazed at how wonderful people can be. Thank you, again. A mystery to distract me. You made me cry, I am so shocked and happy. Thank you.

Is it too late to join in? I’m trying to make it through my first year of grad school, my chronic health issues are just grinding me into the ground, and my friends & family are all 2000 miles away. Would love to be able to get away from homework & life for a bit. Thanks!

what a wicked cool thing. For the last few months there are only two I’ve desperately wanted to get my hands on: yours and The Art of Asking, and both of you keep doing this “sharing economy” PIF type thing.

Are your raccoon’s stalking me? How did you know that I posted about your book on facebook and bought one for a friend who was in the hospital? 😉 …I am sure you read it over and over again. And you should keep on reading it… your awesome. This was my post and raw feelings on why you are awesome (and you really are my long lost twin, I just sucked out your extrovert and took a little too much, the vacuum got stuck, what can I say…).

“Life, we all live and add to the adventure every day. Adventures aren’t all smiles, rainbows, and the good side doesn’t always win (though second time around I beg to differ). wink emoticon
I have been wanting to write this for a while but in the past week I have had a lot of friends express their struggle and I have had my own as well. The struggle is always real, but it doesn’t mean we are loosing.
I feel it is important to be who we are in our own skin. That may seem somewhat cliche these days with the “pc” movement, but I’m not talking “pc” or any form of movement. I am talking knowing yourself, the good and bad parts. We all have them. We reach into our bag of hope and usually show just the good part, that we shine up and make presentable. The thing is… you can still have hope when talking about the bad because when your down, there is only one way to travel, and that is up.
You won’t be the same, so don’t try to be. When you dig deep into that hope, you will find that piece of joy, that feeling. You don’t have to be a past you. As a friend recently said, just be the best version of you. The best Becky. I’m not telling you to put on a facade. I’m saying, do something silly that brings you back. Have an ice cream fight with your 5 year old (or someone elses), say yes to something you are struggling to interact with.
The only time I have been clinically assigned a label is when I had the baby blues after having Noah. It changed me. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. I will have moments of massive anxiety and sometimes light depression. Last year was my first panic attack I have ever had in my life… people think that means I flipped out… no just felt nauseous, heart acceleration, sweat, and like the world was closing in. I had a friend to help me through it.. walked it off. I was at work when it happened early in the morning.
The thing is… I am not alone. I have never been alone. I have thought that I was alone because in the past, no one talked about it. I have been a tough cookie my whole life. I go after elephants in the room, I have no problem speaking up and out, but I am human. When strong all the time, I have to give myself weak moments. We ALL do. It IS okay.
Do I consider myself mental? Hell no… maybe a little crazy, but when respectfully looking at my past and present. I am doing pretty damn good.
I don’t know about you, but when you share your story with me I am pretty freaking proud of you for sharing your stories and life with me. It is all about coming to terms with ones self. We are all different and really quite awesome.
I have been reading Jenny Lawson’s (The Bloggess) books. The second book is called “Furiously Happy”. There is a point to being Furiously Happy. Because battling with depression and anxiety makes you not so happy. It is tough and it affects everyone around you. If you haven’t read her books (she is quite crass by the way but I feel that she may be my long lost twin), they made me seriously bust out into laughter at 11 at night while Dave was attempting to sleep…. they make me cry because I “know the feeling”, but what is the biggest thing for me in her books is her choice to try, really try to be furiously happy… not marginally happy, not putting on a fake smile… BUT OMG IN YOUR FACE LETS DO THIS, cause I AM GONNA HAVE BAD DAYS… so lets make these good days KICK ASS! Then after a while, I will remember more GOOD DAYS than bad days. Lets face it, misery loves company, but when bad days get ninja kicked in the face, they are down for the count.
So, lets kick some ass right this minute. Not this week, not this day, right now. Cause it is about now.
Try to say yes to those things you use to do that brought you joy and that may make you anxious now.
Don’t stop inviting people to things who have anxiety about social events, keep inviting them!
And if you need to talk, lets talk.
If you need to get coffee, lets do it.
If you want to buy a marshmallow gun and shoot my husband, I’m game! (I may need to tell him first and you will need to supply the guns, I can do the marshmallows).
Paint, color, sing, be SILLY.
Laugh and take the time to invite people into your space.
I’ve tagged some of you for different reasons. And I know I missed many tags and I didn’t include family, cause your stuck with me… Some of you I spend a small amount of time with, some a lot. Thank you for being in my life when I need it most. Sometimes you bring joy. Sometimes perspective. Sometimes laughter. Sometimes a listening ear. Thank you for listening and sharing and being a friend in my life. The world is better with you in it – don’t forget that!
Here is a video that Jenny did about her book. It pretty much sums it up. We all have our broken pieces, but we truly are so amazing.

I’m not working right now, but the next time I have some extra money, I’ll be getting a couple of copies for one of our local mental health centers to add to their lending library. This is definitely a book that needs to be read! 🙂

P.S. You don’t need to send me a box of kittens — I’m good. I just finished fostering a mom and her litter of six. The dog is still recovering from all the kitten-squee (and I’m still finding poo-paw-prints in the foster room)!

I love Bloggess books and this place!!
One of my favorite recent books is Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane. He writes so beautifully about a tiny gem of a book call Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd. I want to get my hands on Living Mountain so much. ❤

Thanks so much for doing this, Jenny! You are my hero for so many reasons.
I always feel strange asking for things, but I’m struggling right now with my depression and figuring out my place in the world. I had to leave my job last year due to my bipolar and panic disorders, money is tight, and I always put my wants as last priority. There are some books I wasn’t comfortable asking family for for Christmas. If someone would be so kind to gift me any of these books I would be so grateful.http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2XWP86PJC9BJD/ref=topnav_lists_2

I feel guilty for posting this, but I keep wanting to buy myself books but stop because I know that $10 should go to paying bills instead. My request is a very low priority – make sure anyone with kids, major bills and/or who needs to be cheered up get books first. Thank you, Jenny!

What a cool idea – thanks Jenny! I’m sure looks of books will be shared 🙂

Why might I need a book?
I’m in Marketing, mid-twenties, and I recently just left my ‘big-kid’ job because the environment was really rough. Loved (seriously loved) the job, but the small-company-crazy-emotional-owner was just too much. I was the first of three to leave within a month. I left without a plan, and the confidence within myself that I’ll figure out a new one. I still have that confidence, and the book on my list is from the POV a relatable figure (though I think she drinks a lot more than I do?). Maybe it’ll be a fun distraction while I figure it all out!

Okay, I’m trying one more time in a different browser – I’ve tried to post twice and nothing is showing up, and maybe the comments are in moderation, but I’ve commented here before and I’m now giving myself a legit panic attack about doing this wrong and messing up and missing out and I’m crying. Because of course.
Mom of one, things are tight right now. Medication issues, a new psychiatrist, stress at work, credit card balances, etc. I added an ebook for me so I can participate in a book club this month (I usually use the library but the wait list is too long), and one for my son who loves to help me in the kitchen, because he is the best thing in my world.http://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2MSCP98KC8NWW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_wsg_RKsSwb0DB41VW_wb

I already have both of your books, thank goodness. I read them over and over.
I’m struggling with some financial difficulties right now, on top of chronic illness that is flaring up. So as nice as a fiction book would be, what I really need is a book with some ideas.

Thank you for doing this, I love how many wish lists are empty when I click on them. 🙂

I wanted to add to my earlier comment (258) by saying that my audiobook of “Let’s Pretend this Never Happened” was one of the things that got me through when mum died and I had to move home (you really should never return home as an adult) to help dad and the dog adjust and cope. If I couldn’t escape into that when I got into the car, I’m not sure what would have happened, but it wouldn’t have been pretty. I literally wore out one of the CDs because I needed to hear the stories on it so often. I’ve since got a softcover copy of the book, and it is very well loved. So thank you Jenny – for those of us struggling to get through a day, your wit brings smiles and laughter.

Totally AWESOME book and I’d tell my starving daughter in grad school to sign in for a copy except I already sent her one which she will send on to a friend and she will send on… well you get the idea. IT IS GREAT to know those of us with similar issues are not alone out here.

Ok, mine is absurd, but there’s also some Roald Dahl for my kids. But, here. The reason I want it is because it reminds me of my grandmother, who got me the similar version of LOTR the year before she died and my head wants my copies to match. Feel completely free to skip me. https://amzn.com/w/3SION0OKA9WJM

My daughter is at college, and she has had anxiety issues since her pre-teen years. She borrowed my copy of Furiously Happy and really enjoyed it. I am hoping the book I put on the Wishlist will allow her to laugh through some of the tough times as well. We really scraped to just afford text books this semester as my husband was laid-off over the holidays.https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/1QN2D59U9FV90/ref=cm_wl_list_o_3?
My gratitude and appreciation, if the book is purchased or not, is ten-fold. Any one who chooses to make their struggles public helps those who haven’t quite found their footing yet.

I hope this works. Love you soooo much, Jenny. You make me smile. Retired senior on fixed income here. Make sure the ones(with real problems, children etc.) who really need it before I get mine…..And if you run out…Oh, well…..

Hi there – I am asking for this book for a friend…I have a copy, and I have read it at least three times since the day it came out, and I still read it. However my job situation has changed since then, and I can’t afford to purchase one for my friend Barbara. I met Barbara last year when we were both at a facility for different issues (mine was alcohol detox, hers was depression, both of us voluntarily admitted). That place wrecked us both even further, and we have since been having even worse issues than when we went in (although thank God the alcohol problem is over!). She has been suicidal at times, and calls me for support because I understand her depression (I have it too, but not to the same degree – anxiety is worse for me). I truly believe she would get great comfort from this book, because she feels so alone right now, and doesn’t want to get help like the last place, for fear it will be the same (believe me, it was horrible, the stuff of horror movies and nightmares). If anyone can please help my friend, I would be so so thankful! This blog and Jenny’s books have been a tremendous help to me, and I thank you all!!

I feel odd asking for a book but I’m a library paraprofessional (despite having a Masters in Library Science and sitting on 120k in debt to get it) and get paid squat. I’ve wanted your books for a while but haven’t the finances to buy books right now (getting less than 10 hours a week at the moment at just barely over minimum wage). My libraries have them but the wait is about a year long. I could wait, certainly, but if anyone is feeling generous I put both of Jenny’s books on plus The Catcher in the Rye for my oldest son. Anyways here is my link 🙂 http://amzn.com/w/2DHVXOHY6S1WH

p.s. My book club is meeting tonight…to ‘discuss’ “Furiously Happy”. I can’t wait to tell them about your experiment! (Also, we’ve decided to watch comedy bits and play telestrations as part of our meeting tonight).

This is the darkest place I have been in for a very long time. I don’t even know where to begin to pull myself out of it. I would love something to distract me and take me away from the tumult that has become my life since my parents car accident. http://smile.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/KP9LEJZE2JK5

Hi
I’ve never asked for anything like this before as I figure so long as I have food and a place to live, there are people more in need of help than me. But I’m facing a rough time – my depression and anxiety are really high, I lost my job, and because my health prevents me from working outside the home, I’m really scared about that. My local mental health team will only offer me group therapy so I try to cope on my own, but today I woke up to find one of my teeth had crumbled so I have to face going to the dentist which both costs money and really terrifies me. It all feels a bit like the final straw and it’s hard to find a reason to smile right now. The Bloggess always makes me smile even when it’s hard going, so I think being able to sit and read Furiously Happy would keep the darkness at bay a while longer, maybe long enough for me to get a handle on it and find my faith in myself and life again. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/registry/wishlist/2TIHGO5OPMTWU/ref=cm_wl_huc_title

It’s been a rough few months in our family as our teen has struggled for the first time with major depression. I think she’s up to reading this now, as she begins to turn the corner. Thank you, Jenny, for the idea, as well as for the phrase, “Depression lies.” It’s kept her alive at times. I’ll pay it forward when I can. Thank you.https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/WWTSGZOUTP5L/ref=topnav_lists_3
PS I thought I posted this, but couldn’t find it again. My apologies for spamming if it’s here twice!

I want to contribute. Really do. But when I click on the links no names come up. I have a HORRIBLE head cold and can’t think. Any screen shots for those of us that want to give? I understand the click on the link part .. .after that . .fog .as to what I am supposed to see or do next?

(Try clicking the most recent comments. Lots of the first ones have been bought so they just show an empty wish list, which is a wonderful thing. 🙂 ~ Jenny)

Hey Wish List Makers, just a head’s up: if you order an e-book/kindle version, Amazon keeps your email address private on the confirmation page on its website, but NOT on the confirmation page it sends to the buyer. I will contact Amazon for the one incident I experienced, but please proceed with caution that someone may be able to obtain your email address.

Even though I should be watching my money instead of spending it, I convinced my brain it’s okay to buy someone else in need a book. I went though a LOT of empty wishlist but finally found someone. I hope it brightens their day & that they find a way to pay it forward somehow. Everyone deserves a little light in this dark/tough world.

I don’t have either one of your books, Jenny. I’m also going through a rough patch the last few months with my autoimmune diseases ramping into overdrive after my cancer surgery. Oy. Anyway, I know it looks like I’m way too late for the 30 books, but I will leave my list anyway. My birthday is in 28 days and that’s kind of freaking me out. I’ll be 45. With a tween. Lord help me. lol https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ls/?ie=UTF8&lid=2PRB1PGTVETGA

This may or may not have been asked earlier but can I also add your first book to send along as well? I LOVE THIS IDEA…was just talking up FH at a “transition party” (going away party for a dear friend who lost her job) this past Saturday and think I moved another five copies for you Jenny.

Almost finished with Furiously Happy from the library but would love to have a copy to own and lend. Family members have actually come to check that I’m okay because I’m snorting with laughter so often. Put a book for each of my older children. Also Bill Bryson’s new book for some armchair traveling. It makes me so happy to see my kids with their nose in a book, and not just because it makes them quiet. (But bonus!)http://amzn.com/w/2MZXPJBDO1ELX

My daughter gave me “Furiously Happy” and you sent an autographed book plate with this wonderful glitter which is over everything and it makes me happy. Where can I get some??? I was so jealous, initially, when my daughter got to meet you and get her book signed and then she gave me one and my heart melted. Please write more books! And tell me where I can get this wonderful glitter/fairy dust.

It’s a long story, but I’d really love to have your book sent anonymously to my nephew’s fiance. She’s had a crazy couple of months with surgery and an unpaid month out of work, followed by emergency surgery for her dog who ate a rubber ball. I just think she could use this book. Her name is Alison, and I’m not sure whether the wishlist will show up correctly, but I put her address in the list.https://smile.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=2QYM38IY3CTQF&type=wishlist

I am adding a list with a book for my pre-teen daughter. She is soldiering through anxiety, depression, loneliness, some social isolation, and some very scary times – we had to involve Crisis Response, which was just heartbreaking for a 10 year old. We are responding in every way possible. She is an incredibly talented artist and she adores My Little Pony. She’s asked for this book for a while but I’ve never been able to get it for her. A surprise gift would absolutely make her week. Thank you, you wonderful, beautiful people, for being so open and generous. Regardless of whether this wish can be fulfilled, the fact that some of these get filled is so incredible.

Liz S, one of your books is on the way. Jenny, a lot of the lists are empty. Is there any way to post all the lists with books left on them so no one gets left out? Thank you so much for doing this! Such an awesome idea!

I am adding a list with a book for my pre-teen daughter. She is soldiering through anxiety, depression, loneliness, some social isolation, and some very scary times – we had to involve Crisis Response, which was just heartbreaking for a 10 year old. We are responding in every way possible. She is an incredibly talented artist and she adores My Little Pony. She’s asked for this book for a while but I’ve never been able to get it for her. A surprise gift would absolutely make her week. Thank you, you wonderful, beautiful people, for being so open and generous. Regardless of whether this wish can be fulfilled, the fact that some of these get filled is so incredible.

The love and kindness in your blog and the comments never ceases to amaze me! I’m just coming out of the worst episode of depression in my adult life. Furiously Happy really helped me through it. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and there is one book from my childhood that could always lighten my mood and make me smile.http://amzn.com/w/25843ZB5QZCJ3

Thank you for doing this. This is a beautiful thing to help people. I’m not doing so good lately and am struggling in the darkness of depression and grief and the bad thoughts in my mind. Pretending to be happy around people is getting exhausting, when there are days I want it all to stop. Just to be hugged and held being told it’s all going to be ok. I almost lost to depression a few months back. And some days I’m ok with that. Other days I want to fight. Sorry just needed to get all that out. This here, makes me feel less alone. Less like a freak as I’ve been called. So thank you again. Here is my wish list. Hope I did it right.https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ls/?ie=UTF8&lid=1DEERG92K3OLE

#287/289 and #429 looks like there isn’t a shipping address associated with the wishlist, if by chance you see this comment later today please add a shipping address and I’ll check back. With the time difference, it might be on the 3rd US time when I’m able to check back.

I must say I’m hyperventilating a bit. I usually don’t do anything for myself in terms of mental health but I’m trying to start. Admitting to anxiety and depression myself is terrifying when I feel like I have an obligation to be my college roommate’s rock (because of his own serious metal illness and recent ftm transition, this is rather futile) Besides the normal pressures of double majoring, trying to graduate in 4 years and ya know, Life, some days I’m not sure I can deal with normal life let alone all the craziness. Sorry, this was not supposed to turn into a diary entry. But here. here is the link so someone, anyone might help me: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=cm_wl_upd_nojs_succ_mng

ps- now i’ll go spend the rest of the night beating myself up for reach out. But if you see this and you’re the one that buys this book- Thank you. A million times, thank you.

Getting through school and having to spend my money on food rather than books that would help my depression has really taken a toll on my capability to cope with stress. I try my best to get to libraries when I can but there’s something about owning my own copy that makes me feel 10x better. I don’t expect anything, but it’s worth a try! This is an amazing concept and it shows how much this community cares!https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=35U34E5QZC7U5&type=wishlist

Oh my goodness; several books of my list were bought. I can’t believe, i felt so insecure and clumsy in posting my list and now i’m crying. I’m so grateful, not enough words for that.
Friday is my birthday and the 6 month anniversary of my Lesley’s death.
This gives me something to look forward to and to distract me

You people are amazing and i can’t wait to gift some books too at some point in the not too faraway future.

(Jeannette, thank you so so much for getting me both of jenny’s books ❤ .
Other gifters i cant see who you are i think but you made a very hard day a lot brighter) xxx Tamar

My mother is in a very interesting place and could use something to shine light back into her life. I have purchased both of your books and they bring much needed insight and most of the time uncontrollable laughter (that seems to come out when the room is full and I am oblivious) in great times of personal reflection.

I have and love Furiously Happy. I also love this idea. I’m at the bottom of an ugly hole right now, and this community is something special and bright and helpful. I’m not able to be a “real” person right now, so hiding in books is it. My go-to “I just can’t right now” author is Sir Terry Pratchett. The book below is one that he mentions as one of his favorite books.

OK 434 – Alison’s book is on the way. Hope it helps. (Thanks Blogess – told her I loved the book LOVED it ..except the cussing . .. .lol . .had to be truthful.) Going to find someone whose kid needs a book now

This is seriously the nicest thing ever! I only have 2 books on my list, both by Jenny Lawson. 😉 I want to send them to my sister who could really use them. Thank you to whomever looks at my list! ❤ ❤ ❤ https://amzn.com/w/1CZ8EXZSLI0IF

Jayme and Andrea, there were a few books in the list and now it’s empty, but if I do get duplicates, I will definitely send them forward to other struggling kids. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am giggling and crying at the same time. She will be so excited.

Jenny- can you let commenter 129, Charity, know that her wish has been granted, but she added the paperback to her wishlist so it was a pre-order and won’t come until September 😦 I’d be happy to upgrade her to the hardback though, if she gets in touch with me. You can give her this email address.

I feel weirdly guilty asking for help, because my daughters birthday is coming up and she LOVES books, but the budget has been tight lately. We have been hitting all the thrift stores, but the books she really wants are Harry Potter, and they’re never in the stores.

I know if she gets a new book she’ll be so excited. I only put one book on her list bc I didn’t want to seem greedy. But if anyone has any used Harry Potter books (Mostly the first 4) I’d be happy to rehome them. We aren’t picky.
Thanks so much. In advance. Even if we don’t get it. Thank you for letting us ask.

Thank you Jenny for such an awesome idea. I’ve never asked for anything before but it’s been a rough year (yeah and it’s only Feb!) I wouldn’t ask except for my kiddos. I love to read and love that they are starting to love to read as well. The youngest is special needs and the only books he likes is Llama Llama ones but they don’t have this one at my library. The older one wants to be an astronaut and devours any thing space related. Thank you in advance these books will be loved and read a 100 timeshttps://amzn.com/w/10WIN7A2HB25N

Jenny, thank you so much for doing this. Sometimes a little something in the mail lifts the spirits. It’s been a rough year, that hopefully is getting better. Thank you for all you do to help us. I hope I did this correct.

I’d been doing well for such a long time, and then had a really bad slide back into depression this past week. Not quite as low as I was, but still could use some extra light this week. I’d love either of Jenny’s books, and promise to share it with others after reading!

Sarah, one of your books is coming soon! I picked the first one I saw on your list, and it seems like you must really be in need of this one. Your post struck me, and I’m sending air hugs from Colorado. It’s all going to be ok. ❤

Buying a few books for others is the best feeling- thanks for this opportunity. The last few years have been a huge struggle and your books are one of the tools I’ve used to dig out from the bad times and laugh during the good times. Your projects and belief in everyone else is a real inspiration, Jenny.

Purple Haired Liz #491 I’m sending you the whole Harry Potter set because everyone should have them. I’m also sending you a duplicate Chamber of Secrets because Amazon wouldn’t let me remove it and still send the other books to you. I know you can help it find a good home!

I have 3 books in mine, but I only want one of the 3. Any of the 3. Its howls moving castle. Ive had these books on my to buy list for months but everytime I go to buy them, something else comes up and the money has to go towards that. Thank you.

I need a copy of Furiously Happy, like whoa. It really is awesome, and I relate to so much of it. And coloring books… seriously, adult coloring books are so great!

Between school, dealing with mental health stuff, taking care of my (awesome!) kiddo by myself during the week because my husband’s job hasn’t let him switch shifts yet, potentially moving… yeah, there’s a lot going on, and money’s ridiculously tight. (I felt guilty spending $3 on a pair of trouser socks today, even though my dress shoes were chewing up my feet, if that’s any indication.) Someday, when I’m done with school, I’m definitely going to pay forward all the kindnesses that have been shown to me!

This may be an unwelcome suggestion, but Ima gonna do it for the good of the world. I was able to read Furiously Happy as an audiobook for free through my local library. It’s very easy. For iPhones at least, you just download an app called Overdrive, then connect to your library and put in your library card number, and voila! Free books! You can checkout up to four at a time for fourteen days each. And listening to Jenny read the book is an absolute JOY!! I really, really loved it and I cried when it was over. So, for Jenny’s book and for lots of other great books, for all you economically disadvantaged peeps (or cheap peeps like me), try your local library. I think audiobooks ROCK!!!

Books were purchased for me and I needed to say thank you so much. I’m humbled and touched by the generosity. It is very heartening to read the comments and to get to witness the selfless kindness and understanding of this community. Thank you Jenny for providing this opportunity.

I put Furiously Happy on my very lengthy book wish list, and posted…hoping for Furiously Happy, but some wonderful stranger purchased five of the books I’d wished for for my son, who will be born in April. I can’t wait to tell him that a beautiful stranger on the internet had such love as to send us those books! Thank you, whomever you are – I am paying it forward as soon as I can find a list that still has books on it! I am planning to write inscriptions in the books you purchased for us, so we never forget where they came from. LoveLoveLove!

Somehow two people seem to have helped me out. I have no way to thank you both directly, so this will have to do: thank you, truly. This means so much to me and I hope to be able to pay it forward very soon! Caroline from #385

This is really amazing! I have a list that’s been accruing items for a while but alas no money. If anyone can help that would be great. I read a lot of YA but I share with 3 kids and usually donate finished items to a local literacy charity. Thank you in advance! http://amzn.com/w/2IJ2CZPXXUWVL

I’m in a deep hole trying desperately to dig myself out. I have lots of books I’m too anxious to read, including Furiously Happy. But, I realized it would make me feel so much better if I helped someone else feel better. The only problem with this little plan is that I can’t find a wish list with any books left! This community is full of awesome people and that alone makes me feel better. (I’m going to keep looking)

Jenny, this is an amazing idea. Honestly your first book saved my life, it helped me realize that there are other people that are going through some of the same difficulties that I am and helped me realize I am not alone. My parents have just separated and I am trying to put myself through college while being there for my brother. I think we could both use a good book right now, thank you so much.http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/RZJAUE2F0028/ref=topnav_lists_2

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=nav_wishlist_btn
I have had 15 surgeries in the past 14 years because of ongoing health problems and have been waiting on disability for 3 years! I cant work and have no income. I have hunted & fished all my life, I grew up on a farm and am very handy…so thankfully, I managed to still raise my two sons after my husband passed in 2002. In doing so I have exhausted all my savings and retirement. So I am tapped out and unable to pirchase your books. I have had social anxieties since as long as I can remember. I have borrowed your audiobooks from my library thru my Overdrive app but I have to return those. I have never been one to ask for help, so even something like this is extremely hard for me to do. But I would love a copy of your book Furiously Happy. I’ll end this here, while there is a lot more to my story, I am not ready to share it right now. Thanks

Great idea, Jenny. You may also want to donate copies to public libraries who don’t have it to reach people who not only can’t afford to buy the book, but who don’t use computers. (Personally, I’m good. I bought both the book and audiobook for my library.)

I read Jenny’s first book and loved it so much. I’ve had a really rough year financially, and have been looking at this book and waiting for things to stabilize before I can justify spending $13 on something that’s a want rather than a need 😦 if anyone wanted to get Furiously Happy for me it would legit make my week.
Wish list is for an ebook, since it’s easier and cheaper.

Ugh I think my comment got eaten. Anyhoo, thanks Jenny for setting this up. I hope to embody even a small amount of how kind and warm you are. I gave and I hope the person that receives the book enjoys it!

I don’t want to use pity to curry favor with anyone. But this is the truth: Today was a rough day. I was physically sick, and found out, after the second interview, that I was rejected by a permanent job I badly need. This prompted a shame spiral, but no suicidal thoughts – so progress?. I went to the local bookstore to calm myself down, and found myself staring at this book longingly. It was $20, and I couldn’t justify spending that much. One has to eat, and my savings are going to dry up soon. It will get better. I will find somewhere that appreciates me for me, and I won’t have to pretend to be someone that I am not. One day. It will come. Thank you Jenny. I saw you in New York, almost had a panic attack at the Barnes and Noble, but I made it through the line and you saw me. I think you could tell I was struggling because you wrote some incredibly nice and supportive things in Furiously Happy. I read that dedication sometimes and it helps. Maybe I’m just one of millions of your readers, lost in a sea of anonymity, and you write something like that for everyone, because you’re decent and kind, but, in my magical thinking world, that dedication makes me feel like I matter. Just a twinge. https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=17PEWNG9YTA6R&type=wishlist

Wow, this is amazing! I would love for a book to be sent anonymously to my mom. She has been suffering from depression from a long time and I do my best to help and support her, but sometimes she really struggles. She spent half her life taking care of me, and as a new mom myself I am struggling a bit financially, but I want to take care of her too! Let’s see if this works….http://smile.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/30BV6J9HK6WES

this is an amazing idea/offer, and this is an amazingly kind and generous community. I expect absolutely nothing out of this for myself (though it would be awesome, since I’m still job hunting and haven’t been able to afford the latest book), but whether something shows up at my door or not, I’m absolutely going to be paying it forward.
❤

if you ever doubt the positive good you do in the world, Jenny, just look at what an amazing load of people you’ve brought together!

if I do wind up with a sweet, generous book-giver, thank you in advance to you. it will be so very appreciated! 🙂

I have been waiting to buy Furiously Happy but have been trying to hold back on spending money on the unnecessary items. (why am I saying books are an extra expense!! yikes!) With planning a wedding and trying to pay off debt or not create more at least I’m trying to watch my spending.

I’ve given copies of Let’s Pretend this Never Happened as gifts for the past couple years. Can’t wait to read this one!

I just want to say I wish we were all together and could have a glass of wine (or lovely sparkling water if you are a non-drinker) together. I love you, and this page, and you completely made my day, week, month, possibly year.

My fist link didn’t work so I’m trying again. Fingers crossed this one works because my child isn’t going to give me another chance to try again. I spent all of my book allowance on Furiously Happy and have already passed it on. I would love something new to read for me and something to read to my daughter before bed.

I feel odd about doing this, because I’ve never been good at asking for things, but I’ve been following your blog for two years, and resonated so deeply with your words. I’d love to be able to read your book, but I’m in college and can barely afford food right now.

@purple haired Liz I had purchased the one book on the wish list but then I saw someone else had bought the whole set for you which is so amazing. I tried to cancel the order but if you get extra copies, please pay it forward. Best wishes to you & your daughter. Every child deserves the magic of Harry Potter.

I love this idea! I’d also love to buy someone a book they are in need of, but so far everyone’s list that I’ve looked at has either already been purchased or not have an address. I hope people will update their list to add addresses. Also set everyone has a bright and shining week because you thought of this lovely idea.

Books were my only refuge growing up. I don’t want them to be my sons only refuge, but I want him to understand how incredibly important that they are and what they can be. I REALLY want to read Furiously Happy but from what I’ve seen, 30 copies will go soooo fast. So, it’s my tax time item to look forward to 😉

Whomever picked up my list (#486),THANK YOU so much!! ❤️❤️❤️ You just sent a care package to my beautiful little sister who’s about 1200 miles away from me and I miss her dearly. She needed a pick-me-up. Thanks again…and again and again. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you thank you thank you anonymous person who bought me and my baby our books! The thought that someone would do something so nice for a complete stranger is just amazing! I can’t wait to read my book and read all the Curious George stories to my little man!!!

I discovered “Furiously Happy” somewhere on the internet, in an article talking about some of the best new books of 2015. It sounded just up my alley (didn’t mean that to sound dirty!), so I endured a long wait list at my local library to get a chance to read it. I enjoyed the book so much, that after just a couple of chapters, I went out and got a copy to give to my sister for Christmas. We both share your sense of humor and battle some of the same demons, she especially so. My partner heard me laughing and going on about the book so much that she went and bought me “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” for Christmas, and I am savoring that right now! I’d love a copy of ” Furiously Happy” at some point, but I was lucky enough to have already read it, so I’ll let this opportunity go by so someone who hasn’t read it can enjoy your book. Once everyone in the world has read it though, I hope you have another giveaway. I’ve never hated to return a book to the library so much. I miss that raccoon smiling at me everyday!

Hey 🙂 this is the first time I have every posted here but I could really use your book. I’ve been having a rough time lately and could use a bit of a pick me up. I’ve been healing from a broken ankle (my cast just came off today which is a good thing!) and I just found out my mother is very sick. I have severe social anxiety and find it hard to leave the house a lot of the time so anything I can do inside is a good thing! I have taken up amigurumi which I highly recommend to anyone who is crafty- it is a lot of fun. anyways… here a link to my wishlist. keeping my fingers crossed! http://www.amazon.ca/gp/registry/wishlist/353K4L028AOP7/ref=cm_wl_huc_title

Books were my only refuge when I was a kid. I don’t want them to be my son’s only refuge, but I want him to appreciate literature and understand how important literature can be…and what it can, if that makes sense. I really, really want to read Furiously Happy, but from what I’ve seen 30 copies will go extremely fast. So, this will be a a tax time gift for myself 😉

I really want to read Furiously Happy because I think it will be good for me. Things are improving for me in a lot of ways but I’m in a tight place budget-wise and have been holding off buying it since before it came out.

I have already have copies of both of Jenny’s books, so I don’t need another one. However, I suffer from really horrible anxiety and depression, and one of the things that helps me through it is baseball. I’m in the middle of a years long project where I go to see the Detroit Tigers play at every single ballpark in the MLB (I have 13 parks already with four more scheduled for this year!). I play fantasy baseball (and have two different teams). It helps me stay focused on why I need to stay here – I have a goal to meet.

Well, this book can help me with that, and I’ve been thinking about getting it for myself but it just seemed frivolous.

If you’re a baseball fan, and want to help another baseball fan get through the days? Please consider this request, and I’ll definitely pay it forward once I can find a list that still has anything on it!

It isn’t just James Garfield that is a saint-in-the-making, you know! We’re still struggling a great deal, but the blessings bestowed upon us by that Christmas endeavor have been our hand-holds to keep pulling ourselves out of the metaphorically chiched quicksand. In fact, our son has been rationing out his gifts over the weeks — there are still two left unopened! (This is why I haven’t posted a public thank-you gallery to share, yet.)

As a family of bibliophiles (and, ok, since “Furiously Happy” has still been waiting on my wish list since then), I can’t help hoping for a little more luck and kindness. I have three books on this new wishlist, at the moment — one for each of our birthdays. I’ll be scanning the lists to see if anyone both needs something we have, and lives close enough to simply hand it to….just because we can’t buy anything, doesn’t mean we might not still be able to help!

Maybe a weird request, and possibly way too late in the game, but for those that are asking for books other than Jenny’s, can you put the name in comment? I am looking for book suggestions and by the time I go in to check out people’s requests, and maybe send a book, they have already been bought and nothing is listed on the wishlist. Or maybe a suggestion for next time? Because I have a feeling this amazingness will happen again!

You should name book 3 “A Box of Live Kittens.” I would definitely buy extra copies so that I could tell people I was going to send them “A Box of Live Kittens,” just to see how many would freak out thinking I meant actual kittens.

I have & adore both your books. You are amazing, and so much stronger than you think. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. It has helped more than you will ever know.

On the subject of book sharing: My husband and I found let’s pretend this never happened through a friend or maybe i picked it up on the clearance rack at half priced books. No matter. We have both read it several times and have lent (given) many copies away. We never get them back because there is always one more person who just has to read it. I don’t think I’d laughed or cried harder while reading a book. When furiously happy came out I was so excited that I purchased it brand new in hard back. I’ve never ever purchased a brand new hardback book. Since then 4 other people have read our copy and we have purchased a second. Thank you for your words and insight for your transparency and your humor. Both books came at a time when I needed your story. So thank you for sharing.

Ps: I kinda love you. In a sister from another mister sort of way.

Pps: I may or may not tell everyone that we’re besties…my actual bestie doesn’t mind because you are well you and she figures we could share you. So welcome to the family and you have a place to hide out in southern Indiana if you ever want to see corn country.

Just wanted to post a huge thank you to the person(s) who bought both of Jenny’s books from my wish list. I’d only hoped to get one, and am floored to be getting both. Thank you for shining some light in my life. I’ll be sharing the books with others in my life who I know can use some light too. And I’ll be saving up to be able to help another person (or two!) the next time we have a community giving event!

So excited about this. I have been in a major depressive episode for a couple of years. I got out of inpatient and am now in an outpatient program. We watched some videos on Brene Brown and I am hooked on her words. I would be so grateful to receive any book on my list. Thank you!https://www.amazon.com/…/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ip_wl_o…

I changed my list and now my previous link doesn’t work. Thank you so much to the person that purchased a book from my list, such a blessing! Thank you Jenny for this! I hope that you’ll do it again another time and that i’ll be able to pay it forward.

This is such an amazing thing to do for others! Things, and people like this make my heart so happy. I by no means expect this, but I wanted to make a list of my own. After hearing so many good things about Neil Gaiman in this community I have been wanting to give his books a try.

its getting to the point where I don’t know if I am ever going to be happy, let alone furiously happy… but here’s hoping. Your blog and this community definitely helps though. I dont have either of your books though.

Tuesdays are the days of All The Therapy. Me in the morning, my five-year-old in the afternoon. I didn’t see this until just now when I hauled myself into the office after bedtime to go get in another hour or two of work before I fall over.. well, yeah, it’s been a rough day, so I made a wishlist. One book for my amazing five-year-old daughter who’s braver than most adults I know, one book for me because books make everything better.

Have we broken Amazon? I tried to buy some more books but I’m getting an error message when I try to check out. It looks like it’s just in some areas according to downdetector so if it gives you a weird error just try it again in a bit. I’ve seen it happen before and they usually fix it within an hour. Just an fyi in case anyone else is getting the same thing.

I just posted a little while ago with a promise to “pay it forward”, whether or not anything was done for me. and while I’m not in a position to do much, a friend of mine who just started her residency in Buffalo, NY JUST posted this about http://prescriptionforwarmth.com/ (Prescription for Warmth (P4W) is a non-profit group founded by medical students at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. The purpose of P4W is to purchase quality low-cost wholesale hats, gloves, and socks for frostbite victims and those in need in Buffalo, NY hospitals and free clinics.) and I’ve donated a small amount. talk about timing! 😀 ❤

so, while I’d love some motivational/directional stuff for maybe helping with the job hunt, if it comes down to books or helping this cause, I think I’d rather help them. but I’ll let you awesome people out there decide. thank you in advance, whatever you do–you’re here, so you’re clearly awesome! 😀

I hope this is the correct link this time, thank you April
I have had 15 surgeries in the past 14 years because of ongoing health problems and have been waiting on disability for 3 years! I cant work and have no income. I have hunted & fished all my life, I grew up on a farm and am very handy…so thankfully, I managed to still raise my two sons after my husband passed in 2002. In doing so I have exhausted all my savings and retirement. So I am tapped out and unable to pirchase your books. I have had social anxieties since as long as I can remember. I have borrowed your audiobooks from my library thru my Overdrive app but I have to return those. I have never been one to ask for help, so even something like this is extremely hard for me to do. But I would love a copy of your book Furiously Happy. I’ll end this here, while there is a lot more to my story, I am not ready to share it right now. Thanks

(I kept getting error messages when I tried to by physical books this last hour but this one went through. Not sure if it’s because it’s an e-version or they’ve fixed the problem. Either way, it should be on it’s way. 🙂 ~ Jenny)

Thank you so much for doing this now, heading into the grimmest part of winter. After the strain of the holiday just past, and the dread of holidays yet to come, a little unlooked for treat is such a treasure. For those looking for book recommendations, I’ve got Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake on my list, the middle of a trilogy about another gloriously insane dynasty. I’d also recommend picking up anything Terry Pratchett, the man was hilarious and righteous and good. Thanks again!

What a lovely idea! Generally, I would participate in something like this by sending someone your book, but finances are such that I can’t afford to. I’m much more comfortable being the giver, not the receiver. Also, no joke, it;s my birthday tomorrow. I’ve been feeling out-of-sorts about it, worried and broody. Basically disconnected.from myself and my loved ones – I call it the depression wall. So I am throwing this out there – I would love a copy of Furiously Happy for my birthday and, more importantly, I would appreciate and treasure the gesture. And don’t worry, if I am picked, I plant to pay it forward when I am able to.

Thank you Bloggess for putting this together. and thank you in advance to whoever reads this and may respond.

Is there a way to delete or change something in a comment once it is posted? The first link I used was apparently wrong, so I had to repost with a different link. If my second post with different link is still wrong, I guess the computer wins & apparently I’m not meant to get a gift of such an awesome book

I never buy books for myself anymore between my three kids I always put it off. I’ve followed you for years and you always manage to make me laugh until I cry. Which is a good thing. You’re amazing and if I was in a better position I would buy books for everyone! Thank you Jenny for being you.

I have yet to read either of your books. But they look fun. I’ve been in a depressed funk for about 3 weeks and love this idea. I was able to buy one of your books for one of the people on Facebook and it made me feel better.

Thank You so much, jamesjen. Your kindness has really boosted my spirits! Thank you Jenny. If & when I get my disability, I plan on paying it forward! You are all an amazing group…The Bloggess for President!😂💖

Jenny, thank you for being you! You keep a lot of us going, I think, knowing we aren’t the only ones with this living alongside us in our heads, and making us laugh about it. I’m not funny like you are, so I appreciate you more than I can say. When I have money I’ll buy you a trip to Australia, and come there to get my books signed by you.

http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/13V2FJ1WMKYZ
As a person who is pretty much bedridden with a chronic illness (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Go Zebras!) I read A LOT and it’s hard to get to the library or afford books on a fixed income. I loooong this idea and I’ll definitely make a bit of room in the budget to buy someone else a book.

Hi, I’m Sarah. I could really use a book. To be honest, I can afford to buy a book and I’m sure others are more deserving. But I’ve been suffering from postpartum depression for 10 months and I feel so painfully alone. I could use a hug. I could use a friend. I could use the comfort of knowing that someone out there somewhere cared to send me a book. To send me hope, to send a funny little escape from reality. Just to be nice, to care, for me. I’m not sure if I did the list correctly or not but if I did, here it should be:https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ls/?ie=UTF8&lid=3SO3IGPHI3ZCA

I made a list with my husband’s account because I don’t have an account (or a job) but I got all confused and maybe did it wrong and someone should teach me interneting. Also, I think I’m too late to the party anyway. But this was an awesome idea!

The Bad Thing That Happened To Me That A Book Could Help Heal:
Three months ago, after a horrific, drawn-out process, I was excommunicated from my church for the unforgivable sin of Ecumenism. Vonnegut was the only human who could pull me out of the abyss and keep me from losing complete faith in humanity and turning into an irrevocably bitter, angry, empty thirty-something whose only solace lay in blasting the Lithium station forever and ever.

I actually already had a book wishlist on Amazon, so hey. I would love to read the book by Bill Nye on my wishlist. I have been in a dark place for a while and my meds haven’t been working. I think it will make me happy.

I am not sure if my other comment was sent after it asked me to log in with my WordPress account. Anywho, I actually already had a book wishlist on Amazon, so hey. I would love to read the book by Bill Nye on my wishlist. I have been in a dark place for a while and my meds haven’t been working. I think it will make me happy.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=sv_wl_0 wanted a few new books for Christmas for when I’m having a bad day, got furiously happy which is wonderful but would love the other book I didn’t get if anyone is so inclined. Left a full time job in December that made me miserable and have a great new job which is awesome but it’s only 2 days a week so money is a lot more tight. Thanks for the help and hopefully when the next one rolls around, I will be able to repay the favour! Lots of love!

Yay, You! 🙂 Just smiling and reading and enjoying the joy… I think I’m Furiously Happy. Hmmnn. I had a great day at work, too. And I pinched myself in front of a witness to make sure it was real. Thanks, Jenny for keeping people hopeful and helping me find new measures of content 🙂

Oh Jenny you never fail to amaze. I adore you and your ideas. As someone who lives for reading but hasn’t bought herself a new book in over a year thanks to unemployment, this is such a gift, even just for the chance of a new book to love. ❤

Thank you Melissa (492)! The kindness of this special tribe I’ve found here is truly amazing. Honestly, that someone out there understands is what feels the best. (Not to mention that you’re willing to ship to Canada!)

Thank you, Jenny. I don’t know how to express the depth of my thankfulness for you and your blog. It has helped me through so many dark times. It almost always makes me cry – sometimes in joy and other times in sadness. You are fabulous.

This is so cool! I’d like for my kiddo to be able to finish the Lunar Chronicles series. She generally doesn’t like reading … she was born deaf, uses cochlear implants to hear, but is still a bit behind on language and reading … so when I got her Cinder and she she read it in two days, I was surprised and thrilled! She’s an 8th-grader, so finding something she likes is often hit or miss. 😂 I just want to continue to expand her vocabulary, her comprehension and help her LOVE reading. Thank you!

I hope it’s not too late! I would love “Furiously Happy”. I’m not working right now and I’ve recently moved to a new town and am having a really hard time finding a community to connect with. Of course my anxiety and depression don’t make that easy. If I get the book I promise to try and read it in public. Maybe it will prompt a discussion with a stranger? Here’s my wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=2EW29LN40FQJ&type=wishlist

Assuming the picture shows, that’s my Kahn dog. He’s 10 now, and he’s spent the last 3 of those years dealing with epilepsy. He’s pretty awesome about it, definitely a trooper. We’ve made do so far, and then when I went in on Monday to pick up his monthly medicine refill, I found out that the cost has suddenly tripled since my December refill. It’s now, literally, more than my truck payment. Not gonna lie, I stood there and cried in the vet’s office, and almost again today talking to my Boss about it. The vet is trying to help find a way to bring the cost down or switch his treatment, because $200+ just isn’t possible for me. I’m also concerned with his age and general health that we may be coming to the end of our time together. I almost don’t want to take him for his checkup in a few weeks because I’m so afraid of what we’re going to find out.

The book I picked is a biography of Madeline Kahn, for 2 reasons – I named him after her since she’s my favorite actress ever, and because she never fails to make me smile. It’s kinda pricey though, which makes me feel a bit guilty, so I put Tina Fey’s book on there too. I’ll move Maddie’s bio out if Tina’s is bought cause I’m not trying to be greedy. And I’ll come back to this post when things settle down, hopefully soon, and pay it forward.https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2SUVK9RMNN3QK/ref=cm_wl_list_o_6?

#662 I’m married to a Vascular Zebra so I understand what you’re going through. (When he was diagnosed I was like Ehlers-Danlos what?) I’m attempting to send you a book – but Amazon is being a pain in the behind! Hopefully it will be on it’s way soon!

I may be too late to the party but I thought I’d try anyway 🙂
I made an account on dayzeroproject.com and one of my goals is to finish a Keri Smith book so I chose Wreck This Book
It would be the very first thing I get to check off my list so that would be awesome, and it’s on sale! 🙂
Another goal on my list is to pay it forward which I’d love to do through one of these giveaways when I can financially.https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ref=cm_reg_rd-upd?ie=UTF8&id=2ZXBC5DGGWHJB&type=wishlist

PS Thanks for everything Jenny, you keep me going on the not so great days.

I have read Furiously Happy and it is now one of my top three loved books of all time and I think I will stay on that list indefinitely. I even splurged and bought myself a signed copy. I recommend it to almost everyone I know. I will be more then happy to help one or more people from your long list of comments but I think you’re right, I think we broke amazon.